Sunday, December 7, 2014

Norfolk Co., VA Images of Wills and Estates 1651 to 1762

Norfolk County, Virginia Court House Records

If you have Virginia ancestors, Norfolk is one of the first counties to research. The earliest records survived, thus providing a scope of genealogical discoveries. Norfolk County was created in 1691 and existed as a county until 1963 when it was consolidated with the city of South Norfolk to form the new City of Chesapeake. After the American Civil War, for a period of about 100 years, portions of Norfolk County were lost and the territory of the county reduced as they became parts of the separate and growing independent cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth and South Norfolk. Many of the earliest records did not survive, but Bks have been published on Lower Norfolk County.

Historical Tidbits: During 1666, Walter Bruce of Nansemond County who had married the widow of Thomas Sayer, one of the most prominent citizens of Lower Norfolk, increased his stepchildren's estates by presenting them with a considerable number of cattle. His wife sold four of these during his absence from Virginia to meet the expense of sending her daughter to school. By the terms of the will of John Russell, his daughter was to continue to be educated until she should marry. Want to receive more historical tidbits on Virginians? Join our free blog

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After having researched multiple families from much has been learned about the pivotal roles which each o them played in building America. Everyone's ancestor whether in the history books or not, helped to build this country. I have probably traced over 100,000 names and am so familiar with the early colonists that I can just about open a discussion about any ancestor in the Southeast regions. If done properly, a tedious research will unfold the daily lives of each subject. I suppose that I am a fanatic now, however, an awareness of the experiences of your and my ancestors makes the history of America precious. I could sit down and talk (just about any) colonial ancestor with you. Hence, the desire to share my information with you. My researches are all heavily documented and I have discovered the intricate details which others cannot find. Jeannette Holland Austin www.georgiapioneers.com